Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game where players locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices. At this time, SCC managed areas have been placed into 2 categories. However, terrain type, sensitivity, management practices such as burning, and human impact may result in changes to category description, placement of areas in those categories, and the number of caches allowed.

Category 1 - Caches not allowed:

• Anderson Canoe Access (2 ac.)

• Colo Bog (25 ac.)

• Coopers Prairie Marsh (10 ac.)

• Doolittle Prairie (43 ac.)

• Lekwa Access (9 ac.)

• Larson Marsh (12 ac.)

• Shreck Access (3 ac.)

• Sheffield Wildlife Area (3 ac.)

Category 2 - Caches may be placed in these areas:

• Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond (15 ac.)

• Bear Creek Access (80 ac.)

• Christiansen Forest Preserve (40 ac.)

• Crooked Bend (66 ac.)

• Dakins lake (41 ac.)

• E-18 Greenbelt Access (119 ac.)

• Ed Powell Wildlife Area (17 ac.)

• Gladys Leui Preserve (25 ac.)

• Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (32 mi.)

• Hickory Grove Park (445 ac.)

• Jim Ketelsen Greenwing Marsh (68 ac.)

• Jennett Heritage Area (171 ac.)

• Leopold Woods (20 ac.)

• McFarland Park (200 ac.)

• Petersen Park (200 ac.)

• Praeri Rail Trail (10.5 mi.)

• Robison Wildlife Acres (78 ac.)

• Skunk River Flats (117 ac.)

• Sleepy Hollow (24 ac.)

• Sopers Mill (18 ac.)

• Wakefield Woods (10 ac.)

Contact Story County Conservation prior to development in order to inquire about any designated and/or "off limit" areas and to learn interesting facts that may enhance the educational value of your cache.

The following specific conditions and provisions shall apply to those placing a geocache in an area managed by Story County Conservation.

1. A Geocache Placement Permit Application must be filed with and approved by Story County Conservation (SCC) before posting the cache on a geocaching web site.
2. At a minimum, Cache Listing Requirements/Guidelines developed by Groundspeak and posted at geocaching.com must be followed when developing a cache.
3. All local and state laws apply.
4. The cache container must be clearly marked on the outside with Geocaching.com and the name of the cache.
5. If the cache owner removes the cache he/she will notify SCC.
6. SCC, through its director or designee, reserves the right to terminate this approval for placement of a geocache on SCC land for any reason at any time. Caches not in compliance with the terms of this permit will be removed from the property and this permit voided for failure to comply.
7. We request that you monitor this cache every two months and you maintain it to be family friendly. This means the cache should contain no food, alcohol, firearms, drugs, dangerous items or adult items.
8. We also request that you direct people seeking your cache to follow established trails most of the way to your cache. We discourage off trail hiking as it negatively impacts the environment.

Download the Geocaching Placement Permit.